Does 2020 Chevy Silverado 2500 Short Bed Need Sliding 5th Wheel Hitch and Hitch Options
Question:
Hitch options. I have a 2020 2500hd short bed and a jayco 339flqs fiver. I had a curt 16k slider in last truck, '16 2500hd short bed and only used the slide feature once. Do I need it on the 2020? I have heard it installs slightly behind rear diff. and the bed is slightly longer as well. Regardless, who all makes hitches for this vehicle, in other words what are all my options?
asked by: Ray
Expert Reply:
You are right about the 2020 Chevy Silverado 2500 short bed being slightly longer than the 2016 models; according to Chevy, the 2020 short bed is 82.25 inches while the 2016 short bed is 78.9 inches. That isn't enough of a difference to negate needing a sliding hitch. Even if your use of the slider is limited, it only takes one instance of taking a turn slightly too sharp for your trailer to crash into the cab of your Chevy, causing potentially significant damage to both the truck and trailer. The only exception in which you will be okay to use a fixed 5th wheel hitch on your truck is with a Sidewinder replacement pin box, which extends the pivot point to provide clearance.
There are a number of really good sliding 5th wheel hitches for your 2020 Chevy Silverado 2500, which I'll go over for you.
If you liked the way the Curt hitch performed, you could continue in that direction, and the A-Series are the best of the bunch due to their ease of use and solid jaw system. For this you can once again go with the 16,000 lb option, the Curt A16 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch w/ R16 Slider # C16521, or the 20,000 lb option, the Curt A20 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch w/ R20 Slider # C16541.
That said, my strong recommendation is the 18,000 lb capacity B&W Patriot 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch with Slider # BWRVK3270 because it is the best value in terms of its superb jaws, robust steel construction and price. B&W is regarded by many as the premier manufacturer of hitches, and the jaws are one of the main reasons. The Patriot has 3/4" thick jaws which provide a complete connection with your king pin, greatly minimizing the amount of chucking and rattling for a more comfortable drive. You can see these jaws in one of the accompanying photos that a customer sent in.
To mount a hitch in your '20 Silverado 2500, you will need to install base rails, and I recommend the B&W Custom Installation Kit with Base Rails # BWRVK2505 because they have the quality B&W is known for and do not require any drilling into your frame rails to install. This is not only great for your truck but also means the installation is going to be simpler and take much less time than a universal kit. These rails will allow you to mount the B&W Patriot # BWRVK3270, Curt A16 # C16521, or Curt A20 # C16541. I have added links to video reviews for you to check out as well.
Products Referenced in This Question
B&W Custom Installation Kit w/ Base Rails for 5th Wheel Trailer Hitches
- Fifth Wheel Installation Kit
- Custom
- Above the Bed
- B and W
more information >
B&W Patriot 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch w/ Slider - Dual Jaw - 18,000 lbs
- Fifth Wheel Hitch
- Sliding Fifth Wheel
- Above Bed Rails
- 4500 lbs Vertical Load
- 18000 lbs GTW
- Double Pivot
- Standard - Double Jaw
- 17 - 19 Inch Tall
- 12 Inch Fore/Aft Travel
- B and W
more information >
Curt A20 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch w/ R20 Slider - Dual Jaw - 20,000 lbs
- Fifth Wheel Hitch
- Sliding Fifth Wheel
- Above Bed Rails
- 5000 lbs Vertical Load
- 20000 lbs GTW
- Cushioned Double Pivot
- Standard - Double Jaw
- 17-1/2 - 21-1/2 Inch Tall
- 12 Inch Fore/Aft Travel
- CURT
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Curt A16 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch w/ R16 Slider - Dual Jaw - 16,000 lbs
- Fifth Wheel Hitch
- Sliding Fifth Wheel
- Above Bed Rails
- 4000 lbs Vertical Load
- 16000 lbs GTW
- Cushioned Double Pivot
- Standard - Double Jaw
- 17-1/2 - 21-1/2 Inch Tall
- 12 Inch Fore/Aft Travel
- CURT
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Shop: Fifth Wheel Hitch
- Shop: B&W Companion OEM 5th Wheel Hitch w/ Slider for Chevy/GMC Towing Prep Package - Dual Jaw - 20K
- Shop: Replacement Slider Base for B&W Companion Slider 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch - 20,000 lbs
- Shop: B&W Companion OEM 5th Wheel Hitch for Chevy/GMC Towing Prep Package - Dual Jaw - 20,000 lbs
- Shop: Gooseneck Hitch
- Shop: B&W Patriot 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch w/ Slider - Dual Jaw - 18,000 lbs
- Shop: B&W Custom Installation Kit w/ Base Rails for 5th Wheel Trailer Hitches
- Video: Review of B and W Fifth Wheel Installation Kit - Custom Chevy GMC - BWRVK2505
- Shop: B&W Companion OEM 5th-Wheel Hitch for Ford Super Duty Prep Package - Dual Jaw - 20,000 lbs
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Shop: Suspension Enhancement
- Shop: Curt A16 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch w/ R16 Slider - Dual Jaw - 16,000 lbs
- Search Results: curt ball
- Search Results: replacement base
- Q&A: Is A Sliding Fifth Wheel Hitch Needed For A 2022 GMC Sierra 2500 Standard Bed
- Q&A: Replacement Head Assembly Availability for B and W Companion and Patriot Fifth Wheel Hitches
- Q&A: If Older Truck Didn't Need Slider 5th Wheel Hitch Does 2020 Chevy Silverado 2500 Short Bed Need One
- Video: Curt Fifth Wheel - Sliding Fifth Wheel - C16521 Review
- Video: Curt A16 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch Installation - 2020 GMC Sierra 2500
- Video: Curt A16 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch Review
- Video: B and W Turnoverball Underbed Gooseneck Trailer Hitch Installation - 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 2500
- Video: Review of B and W Fifth Wheel - Fixed Fifth Wheel - BWRVK3775
- Video: Review of B and W Fifth Wheel - Fixed Fifth Wheel For GM Prep Package - BWRVK3710
- Q&A: Will the Curt Q25 Also Fit in the Short Bed 2020 GMC Sierra 2500 OEM Pucks
- Search Results: 5th wheel hitch
- Search Results: 16023
- Search Results: king pin lock
- Search Results: 5th wheel
- Search Results: q24
- Q&A: Custom Fit Above Bed Base Rail Install For 2022 Chevrolet 2500 HD
on Fifth Wheel Hitch
